Teicher: Jared Allen quickly exceeding KC's expectations

tk13 · 01:48 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/10041488.htm

Sack-tacular SURPRISE

Pass rusher Allen quickly exceeding KC's expectations

By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star

Chiefs rookie Jared Allen wore a black eye this week courtesy of a stray fist he took in last week's victory over Atlanta. Allen couldn't have been prouder.

“It makes me feel,” he said, beaming, “like a football player.”

Allen has other reasons for feeling as if he belongs. A fourth-round draft pick, Allen has emerged as the Chiefs' pass-rush specialist. Despite playing limited snaps, Allen leads the Chiefs and all NFL rookies in sacks with four.

He took down Michael Vick twice last week, including once when he shoved 290-pound Atlanta tackle Kevin Shaffer aside on the way to his target. Allen's play gives the Chiefs hope they can get to Peyton Manning when they play the Colts on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.

Manning has been sacked just four times this season. The Chiefs got to Manning only once in last year's playoff game, and that was accomplished by the since-departed R-Kal Truluck.

“Peyton Manning is obviously a different beast than Michael Vick,” Allen said. “You look at the schedule, and you kind of get excited about this game. But we've still got to get to him.”

If they do, chances are it will be Allen. He plays the right end on passing downs and is pushing for more playing time. Chances are, after the way he played against the Falcons, he will get it.

“I'd like to see him play more,” said Lynn Stiles, the Chiefs' vice president for football operations. “I'm a spectator on Sunday just like everybody else. He's a player other teams have to account for. I'm not comparing him to Derrick Thomas, but Derrick was one of those kinds of guys. Neil Smith was one of those kinds of guys.

“I've said all along that if he gets enough snaps, he'll get a sack a game. But he's got to be playing to do it.”

Allen is far ahead of the curve. A fourth-round pick is supposed to be playing on special teams at this point of his rookie season, particularly for a veteran-filled team like the Chiefs.

But Allen is the unusual Chiefs draft pick who is exceeding expectations. The Chiefs hoped Allen would eventually become a starter. He had 38½ career sacks at Division I-AA Idaho State, including 17½ as a senior.

Combine his small-college background and the fact that at about 270 pounds he's a little undersized, and even the Chiefs weren't certain.

Now the Chiefs are lining up to take credit for his selection. Asked who pushed for his selection, Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said: “Me. No one makes all the decisions or gets everything right. But I had a real strong feeling on this guy and I got support from everybody else and we drafted him.

“I loved what I saw on college tapes. I've said this many times: I saw Grant Wistrom in this kid, that kind of passion to play the game and a long body that can lean and turn and twist and run. I'm not the only one who saw it, but I know at that time in the draft I was pushing for everybody else to get involved in the evaluation process and consider this guy seriously.”

Stiles, who oversees the Chiefs' draft preparations, was startled to hear Vermeil's comment.

“He said that? Well, whatever Dick said,” Stiles said. “I don't care who gets the credit. Coach Vermeil, Carl Peterson, Lamar Hunt, the janitor can get the credit for all I care.

“If he had played Division I-A, you would have said he was the next Grant Wistrom because he was a playmaker. There are many similarities. They both have great motors. They're both instinctive players.”

Allen usually comes out of the game in regular down-and-distance situations. The Chiefs would like to see him get stronger before they will use him regularly in that role.

“We've said all along that he's a good football player and will continue to get better and has to play more,” Vermeil said. “I think he's a guy who has some very, natural instinctive pass-rush ability. He has a great passion to play the game, and his motor's always running, and if anyone makes a mistake he can get there because he doesn't turn his motor off. That's just the kind of kid he is.”

Allen also might be the kind of kid who ends the season as the Chiefs' sack leader. No rookie has done so since Thomas in 1989.

“It wouldn't surprise me,” Vermeil said. “I believe Jared Allen has the ability to one-on-one pass rush against a good offensive tackle, and he'll get his share of sacks.”

Allen is taking a good amount of grief from linemates like Eric Hicks and Lional Dalton about his sack lead. He's certain to hear more as the season wears on.

“They'll probably make me take them out to dinner,” Allen said. “But that's OK. That would definitely be worth it.”

JIM BARCUS/The Kansas City Star
In his first pro season, Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen (above) already is putting the squeeze on opposing quarterbacks. Allen leads NFL rookies with four sacks.

ChiefJustice · 10-29-2004, 02:16 AM

I love that photo!!

royr17 · 10-29-2004, 02:34 AM

I love this guy, im glad that the chiefs picked him cause i love the way he plays, he is a monster at getting to the QB and it will be great to see him doing that, cause it would just bring up the days of Neil Smith and Derrick together, but im comparing Jared to Neil Smith, cause in my opinion Jared will not surpass what Thomas did in his career.

Miles · 10-29-2004, 02:38 AM

Everything i read about this guy makes me more optomistic about his future. There are a ton of flash in the pan DE's that come around but im really hoping he is a keeper.

teedubya · 10-29-2004, 02:47 AM

17 1/2 sacks his senior year. damn.

Miles · 10-29-2004, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali Chi3fs

17 1/2 sacks his senior year. damn.

Nice but still he was playing Division I-AA.

philfree · 10-29-2004, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Nice but still he was playing Division I-AA.

He also had a crazy number of tackles behind the line of scrimmage. 35 or something.......He impressed me in preseason and he's impressed me more since. If he he don't get cut blocked/cheap shottted and broken by the Donks he could have a great NFL career as a Chief. Maybe.........

PhilFree

ARROW2 · 10-29-2004, 03:38 AM

But......but.....but....K.C. had no significant additions to that defense.......according to the uninformed idiots on television.

teedubya · 10-29-2004, 03:55 AM

you can still see his black eye in the pic.

Demonpenz · 10-29-2004, 04:04 AM

D AA is still pretty impressive, just take a look at who they played his senior year, most of teams he played against were in the D AA playoffs.

KCTitus · 10-29-2004, 06:03 AM

Feh...Im positive Carl could have gotten better value out of that pick. Im sure Carl missed the true Probowler in that round, just ask shane.

nmt1 · 10-29-2004, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCTitus

Feh...Im positive Carl could have gotten better value out of that pick. Im sure Carl missed the true Probowler in that round, just ask shane.

Actually, you'll need to ask him 10 years from now when he can give you an objective answer.

shakesthecat · 10-29-2004, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARROW2

But......but.....but....K.C. had no significant additions to that defense.......according to the uninformed idiots on television.

Sorry to nit pick, but you mis spelled ChiefsPlanet.

nmt1 · 10-29-2004, 06:59 AM

I'm glad Allen is playing well. I had no idea what to think of him when they drafted him. I figured he was another longshot or project.

KCTitus · 10-29-2004, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakesthecat

Sorry to nit pick, but you mis spelled ChiefsPlanet.

That's ok, he misspelled genious (chiefsplanet spelling) too...

10-29-2004, 01:30 AM
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1732500	Teicher: Jared Allen quickly exceeding KC's expectations http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/10041488.htm Sack-tacular SURPRISE Pass rusher Allen quickly exceeding KC's expectations By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Chiefs rookie Jared Allen wore a black eye this week courtesy of a stray fist he took in last week's victory over Atlanta. Allen couldn't have been prouder. “It makes me feel,” he said, beaming, “like a football player.” Allen has other reasons for feeling as if he belongs. A fourth-round draft pick, Allen has emerged as the Chiefs' pass-rush specialist. Despite playing limited snaps, Allen leads the Chiefs and all NFL rookies in sacks with four. He took down Michael Vick twice last week, including once when he shoved 290-pound Atlanta tackle Kevin Shaffer aside on the way to his target. Allen's play gives the Chiefs hope they can get to Peyton Manning when they play the Colts on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. Manning has been sacked just four times this season. The Chiefs got to Manning only once in last year's playoff game, and that was accomplished by the since-departed R-Kal Truluck. “Peyton Manning is obviously a different beast than Michael Vick,” Allen said. “You look at the schedule, and you kind of get excited about this game. But we've still got to get to him.” If they do, chances are it will be Allen. He plays the right end on passing downs and is pushing for more playing time. Chances are, after the way he played against the Falcons, he will get it. “I'd like to see him play more,” said Lynn Stiles, the Chiefs' vice president for football operations. “I'm a spectator on Sunday just like everybody else. He's a player other teams have to account for. I'm not comparing him to Derrick Thomas, but Derrick was one of those kinds of guys. Neil Smith was one of those kinds of guys. “I've said all along that if he gets enough snaps, he'll get a sack a game. But he's got to be playing to do it.” Allen is far ahead of the curve. A fourth-round pick is supposed to be playing on special teams at this point of his rookie season, particularly for a veteran-filled team like the Chiefs. But Allen is the unusual Chiefs draft pick who is exceeding expectations. The Chiefs hoped Allen would eventually become a starter. He had 38½ career sacks at Division I-AA Idaho State, including 17½ as a senior. Combine his small-college background and the fact that at about 270 pounds he's a little undersized, and even the Chiefs weren't certain. Now the Chiefs are lining up to take credit for his selection. Asked who pushed for his selection, Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said: “Me. No one makes all the decisions or gets everything right. But I had a real strong feeling on this guy and I got support from everybody else and we drafted him. “I loved what I saw on college tapes. I've said this many times: I saw Grant Wistrom in this kid, that kind of passion to play the game and a long body that can lean and turn and twist and run. I'm not the only one who saw it, but I know at that time in the draft I was pushing for everybody else to get involved in the evaluation process and consider this guy seriously.” Stiles, who oversees the Chiefs' draft preparations, was startled to hear Vermeil's comment. “He said that? Well, whatever Dick said,” Stiles said. “I don't care who gets the credit. Coach Vermeil, Carl Peterson, Lamar Hunt, the janitor can get the credit for all I care. “If he had played Division I-A, you would have said he was the next Grant Wistrom because he was a playmaker. There are many similarities. They both have great motors. They're both instinctive players.” Allen usually comes out of the game in regular down-and-distance situations. The Chiefs would like to see him get stronger before they will use him regularly in that role. “We've said all along that he's a good football player and will continue to get better and has to play more,” Vermeil said. “I think he's a guy who has some very, natural instinctive pass-rush ability. He has a great passion to play the game, and his motor's always running, and if anyone makes a mistake he can get there because he doesn't turn his motor off. That's just the kind of kid he is.” Allen also might be the kind of kid who ends the season as the Chiefs' sack leader. No rookie has done so since Thomas in 1989. “It wouldn't surprise me,” Vermeil said. “I believe Jared Allen has the ability to one-on-one pass rush against a good offensive tackle, and he'll get his share of sacks.” Allen is taking a good amount of grief from linemates like Eric Hicks and Lional Dalton about his sack lead. He's certain to hear more as the season wears on. “They'll probably make me take them out to dinner,” Allen said. “But that's OK. That would definitely be worth it.” JIM BARCUS/The Kansas City Star In his first pro season, Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen (above) already is putting the squeeze on opposing quarterbacks. Allen leads NFL rookies with four sacks. Last edited by tk13; 10-29-2004 at 01:48 AM..
Posts: 54,991

10-29-2004, 02:16 AM	#2
ChiefJustice The Stig Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: "Some say he has no home" Casino cash: $10004900	I love that photo!! __________________ Dante Hicks: But you hate people. Randal Graves: Yes, but I love gatherings. Isn't it ironic?
Posts: 4,806

10-29-2004, 02:34 AM	#3
royr17 MVP Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Lovin my kids Casino cash: $1758676	I love this guy, im glad that the chiefs picked him cause i love the way he plays, he is a monster at getting to the QB and it will be great to see him doing that, cause it would just bring up the days of Neil Smith and Derrick together, but im comparing Jared to Neil Smith, cause in my opinion Jared will not surpass what Thomas did in his career.
Posts: 6,194

10-29-2004, 02:38 AM	#4
Miles MVP Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dallas, TX Casino cash: $1392400	Everything i read about this guy makes me more optomistic about his future. There are a ton of flash in the pan DE's that come around but im really hoping he is a keeper.
Posts: 14,522

10-29-2004, 02:47 AM	#5
teedubya Most Valuable Poster Join Date: Oct 2003 Casino cash: $9470002	17 1/2 sacks his senior year. damn.
Posts: 36,659

10-29-2004, 03:38 AM	#8
ARROW2 MVP Join Date: Mar 2002 Casino cash: $9514329	But......but.....but....K.C. had no significant additions to that defense.......according to the uninformed idiots on television.
Posts: 5,994

10-29-2004, 03:55 AM	#9
teedubya Most Valuable Poster Join Date: Oct 2003 Casino cash: $9470002	you can still see his black eye in the pic.
Posts: 36,659

10-29-2004, 04:04 AM	#10
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $2962136	D AA is still pretty impressive, just take a look at who they played his senior year, most of teams he played against were in the D AA playoffs. __________________
Posts: 54,298

10-29-2004, 06:03 AM	#11
KCTitus Archivist Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: The Ethernet Casino cash: $9892732	Feh...Im positive Carl could have gotten better value out of that pick. Im sure Carl missed the true Probowler in that round, just ask shane. __________________ Anything you post on this BB can and will be used against you...
Posts: 26,193

10-29-2004, 06:59 AM	#14
nmt1 Veteran Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $10004900	I'm glad Allen is playing well. I had no idea what to think of him when they drafted him. I figured he was another longshot or project.
Posts: 1,735